Rajya Sabha Updates: Rupala-Mandaviya Out, Ram Mandir Receives 11 Crore Donation, Govindbhai Gets Rajya Sabha’s ‘Prasad’
On February 27th, elections for 56 Rajya Sabha seats across 15 states are scheduled. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently announced its candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. Among the nominees are BJP’s National President J.P. Nadda, industrialist Govind Dholakiya, Mayank Nayak, and Jaswantsinh Parmar. Notably, industrialist Govind Dholakiya from Surat had made a contribution of 11 crores towards the construction of the Ram Mandir. In recognition of his contribution, the BJP has granted him the ticket to the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, Manusukh Mandaviya and Purushottam Rupala have retained their positions.
Diverse Representation in Gujarat’s Rajya Sabha Nominees
Once again, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to Gujarat’s state assembly. BJP’s national chief, J.P. Nadda, will contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat. Joining him will be Govindbhai Dholakiya, a leader from the Patel community and an industrialist from Surat, securing a seat in the Rajya Sabha. Mayank Nayak, the chief of the Bakshipanch Morcha and a prominent figure in North Gujarat, has also secured a spot in the Rajya Sabha nominations.
Additionally, Jaswantsinh Parmar, a frontrunner from Central Gujarat, will represent the BJP as a Rajya Sabha member. This diverse selection underscores the BJP’s inclusive approach to representation, featuring candidates from various communities and regions of Gujarat.
Representation Preserved Across Four Zones
Out of the four nominees for the Rajya Sabha, three hail from Gujarat, while one is an outsider, J.P. Nadda. In discussions concerning regional representation within the state, it is noted that Govind Dholakiya originally belongs to Saurashtra, though he currently resides in Surat, hence representing both South Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Similarly, Jaswantsinh Parmar will represent Central Gujarat, while Mayank Nayak will uphold the interests of North Gujarat. This distribution ensures that diverse zones of Gujarat find their voice in the Rajya Sabha, maintaining a balanced representation across the state.
Possible Shifts in Lok Sabha Candidacy for Rupala and Mandaviya
While Rupala currently represents Rajkot or Amreli, Mandaviya represents Bhavnagar in the Lok Sabha. Neither the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, nor the Minister of State for Health, Mansukh Mandaviya, have repeated their Rajya Sabha terms. Currently, there is speculation in political circles regarding a potential switch in Lok Sabha candidacies for the two leaders.
There are discussions ongoing whether Mansukh Mandaviya might contest from Amreli or Rajkot, whereas Parshottam Rupala could vie from Amreli or Rajkot in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. These deliberations reflect the evolving political landscape and potential shifts in representation strategies among Gujarat’s political leadership.
Dr. Jaswantsinh Parmar: Physician and Hospital Administrator
Born on June 15, 1975, in Godhra, Dr. Jaswantsinh Parmar hails from a family with a strong educational background. His father, Salamsinh Parmar, served as a principal. Dr. Jaswantsinh Parmar pursued his education at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, where he earned his MBBS degree, followed by an MS (Master of Surgery) degree from NHL Medical College. Presently, he oversees the operations of the Bhagyoday Hospital in Godhra, displaying his expertise and commitment to healthcare.
In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Parmar has ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a petrol pump in Waghjipura. His diverse contributions reflect a multifaceted approach to serving his community and promoting welfare in the region.
Kalpanaben: A Dedicated Lab Technician with a Nurturing Family
Kalpanaben, the wife of Dr. Jaswantsinh Parmar, serves as a skilled lab technician. In discussions about their family, Kalpanaben’s dedication to her profession shines through. She is a proud mother to two children, Manthan and Pranal. Manthan is currently pursuing his MBBS degree, while Pranal is diligently studying in the 10th grade. Kalpanaben’s commitment to her family and her profession exemplifies her multifaceted role in balancing work and family responsibilities.
Profile of Govindbhai Dholakiya
Born on November 7, 1947, in the village of Dudhala in Gujarat, Govindbhai Dholakiya grew up in a modest agricultural family alongside his seven siblings. Despite a humble upbringing with no special privileges or exceptional education, Govindbhai experienced a childhood marked by simplicity. He earned respect and recognition among locals, who affectionately regard him as a beloved figure in the community. In 1964, at the age of 17, Govindbhai embarked on his journey into public life, marking the beginning of his illustrious career path.
From Diamond Polishing to Entrepreneurship: The Journey of Govindbhai Dholakiya
At the age of 17, after moving to Surat, Govindbhai Dholakiya engaged in the laborious task of diamond polishing. Alongside his friends Veerjibhai and Bhagwanbhai, he decided to work independently. Renting a room measuring 10×15 feet for a monthly fee of 45 rupees, they initiated their venture. Drawing inspiration from their devotion to deities, they named their company Shri Ramkrishna (SRK) Export Company.
Establishing a business relationship with Hira Bhai Vadivalla, a diamond merchant, they commenced trading in rough diamonds. After polishing diamonds, while the ideal weight for a diamond was considered to be 28 carats, Dholakiya’s team managed to obtain 34 carats, a remarkable feat. Subsequently, they contemplated diamond production within their factory, realizing the need for a direct supplier of rough diamonds for this endeavor.
A Deal in Diamonds: Govindbhai Dholakiya’s Early Ventures
In April 1970, on a particular day, Govindbhai Dholakiya rode his bicycle to Rameshbhai Shah’s office with 500 rupees in hand. There, he met his brother Vasantbhai. Dholakiya declared, “I want to purchase rough diamonds.” Vasantbhai inquired, “Cash or credit?” “Cash,” replied Dholakiya. However, as Vasantbhai did not have diamonds at the moment, he assured Dholakiya that when they do obtain diamonds, they would charge him a commission, to which Dholakiya agreed without hesitation.
Subsequently, they visited the offices of Babubhai Rikhavchand Doshi and Bhanubhai Chandubhai Shah. They displayed a carat’s price at 91 rupees but intended to purchase at least ten carats. This meant a negotiation of 910 rupees plus an additional 10 rupees. When Dholakiya revealed he only had 500 rupees, they agreed to collect the remaining 410 rupees later at his residence.
Initiating First Business Deal with a Borrowed 410 Rupees
Facing the challenge of not having enough money at home, Dholakiya proceeded with a payment to avoid embarrassment. Upon returning home, he approached his two friends and borrowed 410 rupees from Vasantbhai to embark on his first business venture. Subsequently, they polished the diamonds and sold them for a profit of 10 carats. However, the journey forward was not without its uncertainties.
Jagat Prakash Nadda: A Prominent Leader in BJP
Jagat Prakash Nadda, also known as J.P. Nadda, is a prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is recognized by his full name. Born in Patna, Bihar in the year 1960, he pursued his education in BA and LLB from colleges in Patna. Right from the outset, he was actively involved with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). His political journey took a significant turn when he was elected as a member of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1993.
Subsequently, he served as a minister in both state and central governments, fulfilling various responsibilities. From 1994 to 1998, he held positions as a leader in the legislative assembly. During the initial tenure of the Modi government, J.P. Nadda was entrusted with the role of Health Minister, contributing significantly to healthcare policies and initiatives.
Gujarat Saves an Importer from Disaster
Gujarat has been a savior for an importer over the years. Here’s a timeline of notable individuals who have contributed to this endeavor:
- Arun Jaitley (2000-2018): During his tenure, Gujarat witnessed significant economic reforms that bolstered its capacity to support importers and enhance trade relations.
- Janakrishnamurthi (2002-2008): Played a pivotal role in strengthening Gujarat’s infrastructure and logistics, making it more conducive for import-export activities.
- Smriti Irani (2011-2023): Her initiatives focused on skill development and education, indirectly contributing to a more robust workforce capable of managing import processes efficiently.
- S. Jaishankar (2019-2029): As a prominent figure in international relations, Jaishankar’s diplomatic efforts elevated Gujarat’s global standing, fostering better trade agreements and securing favorable terms for importers.
- J.P. Nadda (2024-2023): Despite serving for a short period, J.P. Nadda’s contributions in healthcare and governance indirectly supported Gujarat’s efforts in streamlining import-related regulations and procedures.
Current Members of the Rajya Sabha
Here is a list of current members of the Rajya Sabha along with their appointment and retirement dates:
- Purushottam Rupala (BJP): April 3, 2018 – April 2, 2024
- Mansukh Mandaviya (BJP): April 3, 2018 – April 2, 2024
- Amee Yajnik (Congress): April 3, 2018 – April 2, 2024
- Naranbhai Rathwa (Congress): April 3, 2018 – April 2, 2024
- Rambhai Mokariya (BJP): February 22, 2021 – June 21, 2026
- Ramilaben Bara (BJP): June 22, 2020 – June 21, 2026
- Narhari Amin (BJP): June 22, 2020 – June 21, 2026
- Shaktisinh Gohil (Congress): June 22, 2020 – June 21, 2026
- S. Jaishankar (BJP): August 19, 2023 – August 18, 2029
- Kesari Dev Singh (BJP): August 19, 2023 – August 18, 2029
- Babu Desai (BJP): August 19, 2023 – August 18, 2029
These members represent various political parties and have been appointed for specific terms in the Rajya Sabha.
